Beltran gets cortisone shot in knee

Mets rightfielder Carlos Beltran is dealing with tendinitis in his left knee, but general manager Sandy Alderson said "the plan" is still for Beltran to be ready for Opening Day. Photo Credit: Newsday / Alejandra Villa

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Carlos Beltran received a cortisone shot in his left knee Friday morning in response to lingering discomfort he's been experiencing.

Before receiving the shot, Beltran took batting practice from the left side, the first time he's done that since he was shut down a week ago. He said he still felt the sensation in his knee while he was swinging.

Asked if he thinks he still can be ready for Opening Day and play rightfield, Beltran said, "That's the plan."

"I think it's still realistic," general manager Sandy Alderson said of Opening Day. "Terry [Collins] believes, given his athleticism and history, that he'll be ready to play rightfield after five or six games."

Beltran said he was the one who suggested the cortisone shot. He has appeared in only one game in spring training, as a designated hitter.